Robert Pierce Obituary –

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Robert Bently Pierce Passed from this world on September 3, 2006, at the age of 94, after a short illness. Born in San Jose on June 28, 1912, he was preceded in death by his wife Marjorie of 57 years, son Robert who died as an infant, and daughter Roberta Ann. He is survived by his son Mark Pierce of Monte Sereno, daughter in law Darcy, and grand daughters Courtney Frager and Sydney Pierce.He was the grandson of California pioneers. His grandfather walked with his family to California in 1849. His Grandmother was born on a covered wagon “somewhere in the Utah desert” in 1852. Mr. Pierce initially was raised in the Sacramento Valley at Trowbridge, and moved with the family to Southern California when his father, who worked for Standard Oil, was transferred. After attending Junior college near his home, he transferred to University of California at Berkeley, graduating in 1934. During World War II, Mr. Pierce worked for North American helping to manufacture the B-25s and P-51s that were being built in great numbers in Southern California. Using the skills he learned at North American, at the end of the war, he went to Brazil with an American company which was training Brazilian pilots and technicians. It was there that he me the love of his life, Marjorie, also a transplanted Southern Californian.After being married for several years in Brazil, the relative newly weds returned to the US in 1948 , began a new business handling insurance claims and started a family. Moving to Saratoga in 1955, he was active in the incorporation of the city in 1956, he was also active in Sacred Heart Church, and an enthusiastic golfer being a member of San Jose Country Club for many years.Following his retirement, Mr. Pierce was remained active acting as the photographer for Marjorie for her column, People Watching, which she wrote for the San Jose Mercury for many years. Easy going and friendly, he attended literally hundreds of social functions with his wife, all the while having the opportunity to meet many interesting people including movie stars and politicians and the movers and shakers of Santa Clara Valley.In the final years of their life, Marjorie and Bob enjoyed traveling and seeing their friends and family. They sold their home in Saratoga in 1996 and moved to the Forum in Cupertino where the resided until their deaths.A memorial service will be held on September 9, 2006 at Sacred Heart Church in Saratoga at 2:00 p.m. honoring Robert’s life. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.Arrangements by Darling-Fischer Mortuaries.